THE Dollar community was out in force over the weekend as they celebrated the return of the gala alongside the Queen’s jubilee.

Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3 saw fairground rides in Market Park before a huge day of events took place on Saturday, June 4.

The day started around 12.40pm with a fancy dress competition at Dollar Academy before a procession left the school to travel to Market Park.

Throughout the day there was plenty for attendees to enjoy including an indoor craft market, stalls, rides and a BBQ.

There was also a tug of war, a performance by the Dollar Academy pipe band and a prize giving for the best shop window display.

As the afternoon continued more fun activities for the young people to get involved with took place including kids races and a silent disco. The night then ended with a silent disco for the adults.

Dollar Community Development Trust's Rebecca McFarlane said: "The day was fantastic, one of the biggest turnouts we’ve seen for ages.

"The streets were packed for the procession and the field was full of families.

"It was the first gala since 2019 so everyone seemed keen to get together and have some fun. It was great to see so many people out enjoying themselves again.

"There was a real party atmosphere and the fantastic weather really helped.

"We had the award-winning Dollar Academy pipe band procession through the town – there were huge crowds lining the streets and following the band into Market Park near the Hive.

"This was followed by prizegiving for the King and Queen and the fancy dress winners, as well as the Shop Window display winners Dollar’s Deli.

"We had performances from local groups including Hillfoot Harmony, Dawn Fraser’s Highland Dancers and Centre Stage Performing Arts.

"There was also an indoor craft market in the community marquee and the stall owners reported having a fantastic day’s trading. We also had funfair rides for the first time, which went down well."

Rebecca continued: "Due to the retirement of Stephen Leitch from the Dollar Events Team at the beginning of 2022 after many years of organising the community’s events, the Development Trust took the lead in the event planning and delivery, with much support from a dedicated group of volunteers.

"While there are always a few glitches behind the scenes, particularly with half the team being new, for the general public the day went without a hitch and everyone had a great time.

"The Development Trust would like to say a huge thank you to Stephen Leitch for his service to the community and dedication to putting on such fun events in Dollar over the last 15 years, we hope we did him proud!

"The Trust would also like to thank all the volunteers who helped make the day such a success, in particular Chris Hudd who led the team.

"We would also like to thank Cycling Without Age who transported the king and queen from the academy to Market Park at the Hive.

"Finally, we would like to thank all the people who came and supported the event – whether that’s performing or selling, eating or drinking – it wouldn’t be a success without the support of the local community and such fun community events makes us realise how lucky we are.

"We’re looking forward to next year already!"